Washing the Sweep (1898)
Directed by James Williamson this is an early short film. Two washerwomen get revenge on a chimney sweep for carelessly brushing up against clean washing.
A fun little short, you can see the enjoyment on the face of one of the actresses. Not a huge amount to this one but it is entertaining. A solid effort for the period.
3/5
The Polite Lunatic (1905)
Directed by James Williamson this is an early short film. A misunderstanding about the return of a putty knife.
A simple gag that works fairly well. The image quality of the version I saw is not the best, not sure if all surviving copies are that low quality. Fine for what it is.
3/5
A Mistake (2024)
Written & directed by Christine Jeffs this film stars Elizabeth Banks, Simon McBurney and Richard Crouchley. A mistake in surgery has effect that ripple through the life of a surgeon.
A fairly interesting film about medical care and transparency. Thought provoking at least even if events do stretch credibility a little bit. Banks's New Zealand accent is best not focused on too much as it does come and go a bit.
3/5
Between the Temples (2024)
Directed by Nathan Silver this film stars Jason Schwartzman, Carol Kane and Madeline Weinstein. A Jewish widower in his 40s befriends an older widow.
I found this one to be a little off beat and slow for my taste however it is not necessarily bad because of that. There is a bit of the Harold and Mauds about this one. Pretty decent if not for everyone.
3/5
Trap (2024)
Written & directed by M. Night Shyamalan this film stars Josh Hartnett, Ariel Donoghue and Saleka Night Shyamalan. A serial killer takes his daughter to a concert only to find out the police have the whole place surrounded trying to catch him.
The premise sets up a tense scenario that quickly gets unrealistic and the film stays too long once the initial scenario is broken. There is something here it just fails to come together. Nice to at least see an attempt at something different even if it does not work.
2/5
Devil's Dyke Fun Fair (1896)
Directed by James Williamson this is an early short film. A number of scenes at the fun fair.
As a historical document this is no doubt an important record. Fascinating to see how many attractions we have in common with fun fairs of the past. Interesting little watch.
3/5
The Puzzled Bather and His Animated Clothes (1901)
Directed by James Williamson this is an early short film. A man attempts to bathe in the river.
Similar to other films of the period this short involves a man whose clothes keep reappearing on him. Uses simple camera tricks which are common to the era. Fun little short.
3/5
